12 Days of December Trail Challenge

Event details

This ongoing program runs daily from Tuesday, Dec. 1, through Thursday, Dec. 31. 

Embrace the beauty of the season and beat the winter chill with the 12 Days of December trail challenge! This holiday season, we invite you to stay active and connected to nature by traveling at least 1 mile by foot or bike through any designated Forest Preserve trail on 12 separate days between Dec. 1 and 31. You can explore on consecutive or non-consecutive days, on the same or different trails, and go up to or farther than 1 mile.  

Participants who complete the challenge will receive a commemorative ornament. Log your progress using the printable tracking sheet or the online form. Tracking sheets can be picked up at Forest Preserve visitor centers beginning Saturday, Nov. 28; the online form will be available here after the challenge begins.

Event requirements

No registration is required. 

The tracking sheet can be submitted in person at any of our visitor centers to receive an ornament. For online submissions, you will be contacted via email when your ornament is ready for pickup at your nearest visitor center. Each participant wishing to receive an ornament must submit the log or form.  

Forest Preserve trails include paved, limestone and natural surfaces. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should mention their request when registering, or submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.